Best Florida travel attractions from Jill Podehl: Henry Flagler not only created Palm Beach but many other important Florida landmarks as well, such as the Overseas Railroad to Key West, which was, alas, wiped out in a long-ago hurricane. As you drive up to the 1902 Georgian/Mediterranean mansion he called Whitehall, you’ll know instantly that this is no ordinary museum. Upon completion of Whitehall, the New York Herald promptly called it the grandest mansion in the world. Indeed, with a telephone system, electric lighting, central heating, and 22 bathrooms, it was possibly the most technologically advanced home anywhere at the time. Today, you can wander through the grand hall, kitchens, parlors, and studies that Henry Flagler wandered through, as well as the hallways where the art he collected on his travels is still displayed. His splendid home also became the first museum in Florida. In addition to Flagler’s own art collection, important revolving exhibits feature renowned painters, sculptors, craftspeople, and photographers. The Flagler Museum is truly a home and a museum for the ages. Guided tours are available, and afterward, be sure to pay a visit to the museum’s delightful café. Better still, opt for their wonderful afternoon tea experience in the garden, available in the winter months. Read more details on Jill Podehl.
With a name as titular as Miami Beach, it’s no surprise that this is one of the best things to do in Miami. You’ll find that a lot of visitors to Miami come to visit primarily for Miami Beach alone! This is the crown jewel of the region. Technically speaking, Miami Beach is a larger area, but it’s most referred to for its white sand stretch of beaches. This also, technically, includes South Beach. There’s something for everyone at Miami Beach – lively nightlife, lots of spas, great shopping and dining, and much more. Be prepared to spend a good amount of money here unless you’re cautious enough to find the thriftier areas!
Recognized as one of Miami’s greatest treasures, The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens with its stunning architecture, grounds and artwork are certainly worth a visit. Featuring 34 rooms arranged around a breath taking courtyard, the Renaissance-style villa is filled with the most exquisite European furniture and arts reaching from the 15th to the 19th century. Over 1,100 craftsmen were bought over from Europe for true authenticity in design, to complete this 28-acre estate. But to truly enjoy a vacation you also need a nice place to stay.
Do you want to bath in the sun ? Miami is a perfect location to relax. What can you do in Miami? The American Airlines Arena is the home of the NBA’s Miami Heat. It is also the main venue for large concerts and other special events, including top name singers and performers. It can hold more than 19,000 people. The structure itself, opened in 1999, has been awarded the Leed Green Building Certification for being an energy efficient building. The arena stands out prominently on Biscayne Bay in downtown Miami.
Essential Florida destinations from Jill Podehl: No trip to Miami is complete without a visit to Little Havana. This vibrant, south-of-downtown neighborhood is packed with art galleries, unique shops, and busy restaurants and bars. Explore the area: Head to Maximo Gomez Park (known as Domino Park by the locals) for a real flavor of Hispanic culture, to watch men playing dominoes outdoors, smoking cigars and arguing about politics. Look out for the huge mural depicting the Summit of the Americas in 1993. The neighborhood Calle Ocho is located in the center of it all, where you can watch the markets and street stands in action while soaking up some Cuban culture. Fan of Latin cinema? Another highlight is the Little Havana Paseo de las Estrellas (Walk of the Stars), which is a Latin American version of the Hollywood Walk of the Stars, commemorating Latin American actors, writers, artists and musicians.
New owners William Edgemon and Raymond Moss saw the potential in their purchase and spent the equivalent of 20 million dollars to move the whole structure and rebuilt it in the northern area of Miami. Its life didn’t begin here in Miami, Florida, though – it started out as a building in Spain that served as the living quarters of Cistercian monks, keeping up this purpose for over 700 years. It would fall out of this use after being seized by a revolutionary movement, which repurposed it into a stable and granary. In 1925, William Randolph Hearst, a newspaper magnate, was so impressed by the sheer beauty and wonder of the monastery that he decided to completely purchase it. Each part of it was broken apart into individual stones, packaged into over 11,000 boxes, and sent to Brooklyn, New York. Find even more information at Jill Podehl.
The great outdoors offers its own myriad of fun possibilities. Get out on the water to experience Greater Miami from a different perspective aboard an airboat tour in the Everglades or on a Millionaire’s Row cruise through Biscayne Bay aboard the Island Queen. Or, you can simply rent a paddleboard or kayak and experience the unique aquatic ecosystems up close. You’ll never run out of things to do in Miami, no matter what tickles your fancy, how much you have to spend, and who you’re traveling with.